"I think it's an affirmation about Rensselaer County -- that it's a great place to live, work and raise a family," Jimino said. "It will mean she has first-hand knowledge of how decisions that are made in Washington are affecting business, government and education in upstate.

"I think she feels strongly about the tie to Troy," Jimino said. "She has talked at Emma Willard. She was at Sage in the fall for her debate and made contact with several students. We're glad to have her close by."

Gillibrand's search for a new home lasted only several weeks.

The median price of a home in Rensselaer County in 2010 was $170,315, according to the realtors' association.

In December, the Gillibrands sold their home in Greenport, Columbia County, for $1.3 million. The home, which they purchased in 2003, is located on 13 acres along the Hudson River. It was sold to Richard and Mary Stengel. Richard Stengel is managing editor of Time Magazine.